Governor Nathan Deal proclaimed October 10-15 “Homeless Awareness Week” in Georgia at a brief Sept. 7 ceremony with Kennesaw State administrators, staff and students. The governor also recognized the university’s annual activities designed to raise awareness about society’s homeless individuals.

The governor’s proclamation reads: “One such initiative is Homeless Awareness Week, which provides our state with an opportunity to increase our knowledge and understanding of those living without shelter and food. The activities … will also educate Georgians on how to combat and improve this unfortunate problem in our state.”

“The proclamation by Gov. Deal affirms the importance of our commitment to educating our community about homelessness and engaging our students for civic responsibility,” said Professor Emeritus Lana Wachniak, who founded the university’s Homeless Awareness Week in 2008 and leads its steering committee. “The HAW 2011 steering committee appreciates his leadership in bringing attention to the needs of the citizens of Georgia.”

Kennesaw State's fourth annual Homeless Awareness Week will kick off October 10. Week-long activities include a one-day conference titled "Making Homelessness Visible through Education, Engagement, and Action"; a two-day “Sleep Out”; a rally, exhibits classroom speakers and collection of donated items for homeless shelters. Events are sponsored in partnership with 20 local non-profit agencies and KSU’s Center for Student Leadership, Adult Learner Programs, Student Life, and the KSU Department of Public Safety.